Andrew Symonds has ruptured the biceps tendon in his right shoulder and
will miss the rest of the triangular one-day cricket series against New
Zealand and England, Cricket Australia said on Saturday.
Symonds was forced to retire hurt during Australia's innings in their
92-run defeat to England in Sydney on Friday.
The all-rounder had scans on Saturday and is facing surgery, possibly
on Sunday, team doctor Trefor James said in a statement just weeks
ahead of the World Cup.
"Andrew Symonds has ruptured the biceps tendon in the right shoulder
and will receive surgery - probably as early as tomorrow - to repair
the tendon," James said. "Andrew will certainly miss the remainder of
the tri-series and will undergo intensive physiotherapy following
surgery. His return to cricket will depend on his progress."
Symonds, who is a key member of Australia's team for next month's World
Cup in the West Indies, said he was unsure how long he will be out of
cricket.
"We won't know how bad this injury is until after surgery. I felt it go
during the game but I didn't realise how bad it was," Symonds said in
the statement. "I batted on but the pain was considerable and I was
advised by the team physio to come off. I feel optimistic about the
future because I know I'm a good healer - my wrist injury healed
quicker than expected and is fine now. I'll do whatever it takes to get
back as quickly as possible."
Skipper Ricky Ponting has recovered from a hip injury which forced him
out of the England loss and leads the side against New Zealand in
Melbourne on Sunday with Brad Hodge and Shaun Tait holding their places
and Brett Lee coming in for Nathan Bracken.
Australia - Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden,
Michael Clarke, Brad Hodge, Mike Hussey, Cameron White, Brett Lee,
Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark and Shaun Tait. 12th man: Glenn McGrath.